Residents urge Stafford to convert Cannon Ridge golf course to regional park and open waterfall access

A sequence of public commenters asked the board on June 18 to pursue acquiring the closed Cannon Ridge Golf Course and opening public access to an adjacent waterfall and miles of trails. Petition organizer Joe Bridal said he submitted signatures supporting conversion and stressed the property’s historic resources and existing infrastructure — including a clubhouse, paved trails and parking — that could be repurposed as a park.

Bridal said his petition collected 5,500 signatures and described archaeological and Civil War‑era sites on the property. Cornelia Rutherford, who runs Out of the Woodwork Productions and operates the Virginia Renaissance Fair, told the board that moving the fair to Cannon Ridge would fill hotels and draw visitors to Stafford County. Multiple residents, families and equestrian users described the property as a rare undeveloped resource that could offer picnic areas, ADA‑accessible trails, playgrounds and horseback riding paths.

Speakers urged the county to explore state and federal grant funding to acquire or preserve the property and proposed short‑term steps such as preserving trail connections and creating park amenities that would keep tourism dollars in Stafford rather than sending residents to regional destinations.

Board members acknowledged the interest and the historic and recreational value described by speakers. No formal motion to acquire property was presented at the meeting; speakers asked staff to research ownership, grant opportunities and the feasibility of acquisition or partnerships.